The Atlantic Slave Trade

The Atlantic Slave Trade

Goree Island Slave Monument

You might wonder why a site devoted to tourism would bring up a painful subject like slavery. One of the reasons that African Americans travel to Africa is to find their heritage. Many chose South or East Africa, but to really trace their roots they must travel to West Africa (just like Alex Haley author of Roots) 

 Millions of people were dispatched in chains from West African ports running from Senegal to Angola, bound for Brazil, Caribbean and the United States.  South Africa did enslave the native population but didn't export them. In fact South Africa did import slaves from Asia.

What where the forces that drove slavery to the America's? The main one was Europeans craving for labor intensive crops like sugar, tea, coffee,tobacco and cotton. Except for cotton these crops where luxuries and some might be called drugs.  They needed a huge source of cheap labor.

So where was this labor going to come from. It's not surprising that the Europeans turned to slavery as a labor solution. Slavery including chattel slavery , the most extreme form, in which people are legally defined as property- had a long history in the Old World. At that time most slaves were not Africa but European.  The word slavery comes from the world slav referring to the Slavic people of northern Europe who were enslaved in southern Europe. Using European slaves did not work because they could not survive the tropical conditions and diseases in the Americas and Islands.The European colonist first tried to enslave the native population. This failed because 95% of the native population died from Old World diseases like small poxs and measles. Also being on their home territory many were able to escape. It is said that in the century after Columbus sailed to the New World  the population of natives lost 90 million.

Atlantic Slave Trade

Africans were acclimated to tropical climates and had some protection from Old World disease due to prior to exposure to Europeans. Since most slaves where needed in the the tropical areas of the Americas.... so Africans became the choice. It is estimated that around 50% of the slaves went to the Caribbeans, 40% to South  and Central America with only 5% to the United States.

There has been a lot of debate about how many West Africans where shipped to the New World as slaves. A 1999 study by Harvard puts the number at around 11 million. Remember this does not include those who didn't survive capture and the horror of the middle passage.

Slave Ship

Many white Europeans and Americans seem to take some satisfaction from the fact that most African slaves where sold into slavery by other Africans. Using this "logic" to shift the blame from Europeans to Africans. There is plenty of blame to go around. Remember that Africans did not sell their own people. The word African was more of a European state of mind.  Populations in Africa thought of themselves as Igbo, Asante, Kongo, Yourba..etc.  These tribes did keep and sell slaves from other tribes ..not thought of as their own people.  The biggest factor was the demand that drove the West African slave trade...it came from the Europeans wanting cheap labor for their plantations in the the New World.

When American descendant of these slaves return to West Africa here are a few points of interest:

• Goree Island , Senegal -  premiere destination for those interested in the history of the trans-Atlantic slave-trade.   The main attraction is the Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves)

• Elmina Castle, Ghana - One of several former slave forts along Ghana's Atlantic coast, is a hugely popular destination and place of pilgrimage for African-American tourists

• Albreda Island, Gambia - French Slave port now has a slave musuem

• Jufureh, Gambia is the home village of Kunta Kinte

• The Route des Esclaves , Benin - a 2.5 mile road lined with fetishes and statues where the slaves would take their final walk down to beach and to the slave-ships. Important memorials have been set up in the last village on this road, which was the "point of no return".

Visit page for Destinations in Senegal

Radisson Blu Hotel - Dakar Senegal

Radisson Blu Hotel Senegal

Radisson Blu Hotel - Dakar Senegal
Hotel boasts a prime Dakar waterfront location and a Five Star rating. A gem among hotels in Dakar, the Radisson Blu Hotel is nestled in the heart of the Fann Corniche, amongst glamorous beaches, embassies and lavish villas. Part of an exclusive complex composed of high-end retail shops, an incredible 1,500-square-metre spa and upscale apartments, this hotel offers serenity only a short walk from the bustling Dakar city centre and prime Senegalese attractions. The hotel is also convenient to Dakar Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport. Start the day absorbing a rich West African culture at the IFAN Museum, then stand in awe of the beautiful Grande Mosque and compelling history of Gorree Island. Return to the luxurious Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar to relax, and enjoy a memorable view of the Atlantic Ocean.Dakar restaurants serve gastronomic cuisine and grilled favorites

Radisson Blu  Dakar Senegal

Dining
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar boasts two restaurants, L'Avenue and Pool Side Restaurant, that guarantee to dazzle and delight. Savour an authentic Mediterranean meal in L'Avenue's warm, inviting atmosphere or indulge in a variety of game dishes grilled to perfection at the exquisite Pool Side Restaurant. In the warm months, lounge poolside with a refreshing cocktail or mixed drink at the hotel's Pool Bar.

L'Avenue
Offering the best of the best Mediterranean-inspired restaurants in Dakar, L'Avenue Restaurant's tantalising menu treats guests to an unforgettable meal in Senegal. The restaurant's kitchen team prepares an alluring Mediterranean-inspired menu using only the freshest ingredients. Whether stopping by for a quick lunch on the go or indulging in a romantic dinner for two, guests enjoy the perfect hotel dining experience in L'Avenue's charming, modern ambiance.

Radisson Blu  Dakar Senegal

Pool Side
Enjoy a relaxing meal beside the ocean waves at the Pool Side Restaurant, featuring barbecue specialties and a delicious à la carte menu. Guests can also relax to the sound of the waves or the live music.

Pool Bar
Bask in the warm African sun with a wide variety of refreshments guaranteed to quench any thirst. This poolside bar boasts an extensive international menu of wine, beer and cocktails served along with an assortment of juices and other non-alcoholic beverages.

Rooms

Radisson Blu  Dakar Senegal

This chic hotel boasts 180 exclusively designed guest rooms, including Business Class Rooms and Suites. Fusing contemporary style with classic African elegance, these Dakar hotel rooms make for the ideal retreat after a long day under the African sun. All rooms feature lush furnishings, Free high-speed, wireless Internet access, coffee and tea provisions, mini bar, individual climate control, LCD television and a spacious work desk. Steps from majestic beaches and a short walk to lively city centre Dakar, this exemplary accommodation affords guests picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean and city pleasures from a stylish base of serenity and comfort.

Services

Relax body and mind with five-star hotel services.This Dakar retreat offers spa and wellness services that treat guests to a relaxing getaway in Cape Verde. Whether lounging by the hotel's Olympic-sized pool or indulging in a variety of spa and beauty treatments, guests of this five-star hotel enjoy premier Dakar services and facilities offering great possibilities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Free highspeed internet. Take advantage of the hotel's 100% Guest Satisfaction policy, and see why this destination stands out as a gem in Dakar.

Reservations 

Contacts
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar
Route de la Corniche Ouest

Radisson Blu Dakar Senegal Map

BP 16868
Dakar Fann, Sénégal

Tel: +221 33 869 33 33
Fax: +221 33 869 33 66

E-mail: info.dakar@radissonblu.com